Ghannouchi, 69, has been a major irritant to Tunisians behind the so-called "Jasmine Revolution" - weeks of public upheaval that drove long time autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from power last month.

Even though Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on January 14, Ghannouchi - who served for 11 years as his prime minister - had promised to stay on to guide the country until elections this summer.

Ghannouchi's announcement on state TV and radio came a day after officials said at least four people had died in recent days in the capital during clashes between stone-throwing protesters and police.

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